Final answer:
Safe handling and disposal of infectious laboratory waste call for separating infectious from noninfectious waste and sterilizing biohazard waste before disposal, often via autoclaving or incineration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Safe handling and disposal of laboratory generated infectious waste require separation of infectious and noninfectious waste. All biohazard waste must be sterilized by autoclave before it can be included in the waste stream. Infectious waste should not be mixed with non-infectious waste because this may pose a risk of contamination and spread of infectious agents. For disposal, some biohazardous waste must be incinerated or autoclaved in a strong basic solution, ensuring complete destruction of any infectious agents.
It is important to recognize the international symbol for biohazards and to know where and how to dispose of all waste materials, particularly biohazard waste. After handling biohazardous materials, hand washing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Personnel working with such materials must use protective gear and follow strict protocols to avoid exposure and ensure proper clean-up in case of spills.